Window having vacuum insulated glass (vig) unit and frame including vacuum insulated structure(s)

ABSTRACT

A window includes a vacuum insulating glass (VIG) window unit in a window frame. The window frame includes at least one vacuum insulated structure (VIS) for improving the insulating functionality of the frame, so that the frame can adequately insulate the periphery of the VIG unit. Such windows may be used in residential and/or commercial window applications for buildings. The use of a window frame having at least one VIS is advantageous in that allows for improved window frame thermal performance and a narrow frame design if desired for improved aesthetics.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to vacuum insulated glass (VIG) windowunit installation configurations and methods for installing a VIG windowunit in a window frame, where the window frame includes at least onevacuum insulated structure (VIS). Such windows, including both the VIGwindow unit and the frame which includes at least one VIS, may be usedin residential and/or commercial window applications for buildings suchas for windows in homes, apartment buildings, office buildings, etc.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units typically include two spaced apartglass substrates with an evacuated or low-pressure gap/space/cavitytherebetween. The substrates are interconnected by a peripheral edgeseal, which is located proximate a peripheral edge of the unit. VIGwindow units may include an array of spacers/pillars between the glasssubstrates to maintain spacing between the glass substrates and to avoidcollapse of the glass substrates that may be caused due to the lowpressure environment that exists between the substrates. Some exampleVIG window units are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,657,607, 5,664,395, 5,657,607, 5,902,652, 6,701,749 and 6,383,580, thedisclosures of which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein intheir entireties.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example VIG window unit 1. For example, VIGunit 1 may include two spaced apart substantially parallel glasssubstrates 2, 3, which enclose an evacuated low-pressure space/cavity 6therebetween. Glass sheets or substrates 2, 3 are interconnected by aperipheral edge seal 4 which may be made of fused solder glass or thelike, for example. An array of support pillars/spacers 5 may be includedbetween the glass substrates 2, 3 to maintain the spacing of substrates2, 3 of the VIG unit 1 in view of the low-pressure space/gap 6 presentbetween the substrates 2, 3. A coating such as a low-E coating (notshown) may be located on an interior surface of substrate 2 or substrate3.

A pump-out tube 8 may be hermetically sealed by, for example, solderglass 9 or the like to an aperture/hole 10 that passes from an interiorsurface of one of the glass substrates 2 to the bottom of an optionalrecess 11 in the exterior surface of the glass substrate 2, oroptionally to the exterior surface of the glass substrate 2. A vacuum isattached to and/or communicates with pump-out tube 8 to evacuate theinterior cavity 6 to a low pressure that is less than atmosphericpressure, for example, using a sequential pump down operation. Afterevacuation of the cavity 6, a portion (e.g., the tip) of the tube 8 ismelted to seal the vacuum in low pressure cavity/space 6. The optionalrecess 11 may retain the sealed pump-out tube 8. Optionally, a chemicalgetter 12 may be included within a recess 13 that is disposed in aninterior face of one of the glass substrates, e.g., glass substrate 2.The chemical getter 12 may be used to absorb and/or bind with certainresidual impurities that may remain after the cavity 6 is evacuated andsealed.

VIG units with peripheral edge seals 4 may be manufactured by depositingglass frit or other suitable material, in a solution (e.g., frit paste),around the periphery of substrate 2 (or on substrate 3). This glass fritpaste ultimately forms the edge seal 4. The other substrate (e.g., 3) isbrought down on substrate 2 so as to sandwich spacers/pillars 5 and theglass frit solution between the two substrates 2, 3. The entire assemblyincluding the glass substrates 2, 3 and the seal material (e.g., glassfrit in solution or paste) is then heated to a temperature at whichpoint the glass frit melts, wets the surfaces of the glass substrates 2,3, and ultimately forms a hermetic peripheral/edge seal 4.

After formation of the edge seal 4 between the substrates, a vacuum isdrawn via the pump-out tube 8 to evacuate cavity 6 and thus form lowpressure space/cavity 6 between the substrates 2, 3. The pressure incavity/space 6 may be produced by way of an evacuation process to alevel below atmospheric pressure, e.g., below about 10⁻² Ton. Tomaintain the low pressure in the space/cavity 6, substrates 2, 3 arehermetically sealed via the edge seal 4 and sealing off of the pump-outtube. Small high strength spacers/pillars 5 are provided between thetransparent glass substrates to maintain separation of the approximatelyparallel glass substrates against atmospheric pressure. As noted above,once the space 6 between substrates 2, 3 is evacuated, the pump-out tube8 may be sealed, for example, by melting its tip using a laser or thelike.

Dual pane VIG window units are generally much more efficient insulatorsthan dual pane non-vacuum IG window units. VIG window units, whilehaving better performance, are also significantly thinner thannon-vacuum IG window units and thus can be advantageous with respect toreduced weight and/or aesthetics. It will be appreciated that standardnon-vacuum IG window units are rather thick, and come in variousthicknesses (e.g., from about 19-40 mm thick). On the other hand, VIGwindow units are often significantly thinner (e.g., from about 4-12 mmthick, more preferably from about 4-10 mm thick, more preferably fromabout 7-9 mm thick, with an example thickness being about 8.3 mm) thantypical non-vacuum IG window units. And thermal performance of VIG unitsis dramatically better than that of non-vacuum IG window units (e.g.,VIG units have higher R-values than do nonvacuum IG units).

A related art IG window unit, which is not a vacuum IG unit, is shown inFIG. 3 and includes a window frame surrounding a nonvacuum IG windowunit. FIG. 3 illustrates nonvacuum IG window unit 30, which may includetwo panes of glass 36 defining an air or gas-filled gap 38 therebetween.The gap 38 is at atmospheric pressure, so it is not a vacuum windowunit. The IG window unit 30 is shown seated in/on a window sash 32. Thegap 38 between the glass substrates 36 is typically air and/or gasfilled, and is at approximately atmospheric pressure (unlike a VIGwindow unit), and the interior space/gap 38 is sealed via peripheralspacer system 29. The vinyl sash 32 may include a first stop portion 35that is part of and integral with main sash portion 32, a secondremovable stop 34 that may include a clip or other extending portion 37for connecting the second stop 34 to the main sash portion 32 via arecess 32 a. Voids/cavities defined in the sash 32 and/or stop 34 arefilled with either air at atmospheric pressure or with expandable foam31. Stops 34 and 35 may or may not be integral with main sash portion 32which is provided under and/or adjacent the outer edge of the windowunit. Stops 34 and 35 may be substantially parallel to each other. TheIG window unit is held and/or positioned, directly or indirectly,between the stops 34, 35. When the IG unit 30 is seated in/on the sashportion 32 and is engaged with the first stop portion 35, the secondstop 34 is connected to the sash 32, for example, via the clip orextended portion 37. The stops 34, 35 provide lateral support to the IGwindow unit 30. The sash 32 and stop portions 34, 35 may be made ofmaterial such as vinyl and/or PVC.

While the window frame of FIG. 3 is excellent for its intended purposeof insulating nonvacuum IG window units, the window frame shown in FIG.3 is insufficient for adequately insulating the periphery of VIG windowunits. An example VIG window unit provides a COG efficiency of aboutR12. A VIG window unit, like an IG window unit, is to be mounted in awindow frame which surrounds the VIG window unit. Conventional windowframes include numerous voids which can be filled with insulatingexpandable foam (e.g., see foam 31 in FIG. 3) for increasing theinsulating value of the frame. Unfortunately, the structure ofconventional window frames reduces the overall performance of VIG windowunits because conventional window frames such as that shown in FIG. 3 donot sufficiently insulate the periphery of VIG window units. This islargely because of space constraints of the window design and insulativematerials 31 utilized within such frames. Conventional window frames donot adequately insulate the periphery of VIG units to sufficientlyreduce conduction through the glass/seal and/or through the frameitself. Typical insulating expandable foam 31, which is placed in framevoids/cavities as shown in FIG. 3, obtains an R5-R6 per inch ofthickness. Thus, to obtain R-values approaching that of the VIG unit,the frame would be required to incorporate extremely thick foam segmentsin order to effectively insulate the perimeter of the VIG window unit.

Thus, it will be appreciated that there exists a need in the art formore effective window frames that can more efficiently and/oreffectively insulate the perimeter of VIG window units.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, there is provided awindow that includes a VIG window unit in a window frame. The frameincludes at least one vacuum insulated structure (VIS) for improving theinsulating characteristics of the frame, so that the frame canadequately insulate the periphery of the VIG unit. Such windows,including both the VIG window unit and the frame which includes at leastone VIS, may be used in residential and/or commercial windowapplications for buildings and the like. The use of a window framehaving at least one VIS is advantageous in that it allows for improvedwindow frame thermal performance and a narrow frame design for improvedaesthetics.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, there is provided awindow comprising: a vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit in awindow frame; said VIG window unit comprising first and second glasssubstrates with a low pressure gap provided therebetween, the lowpressure gap being at pressure less than atmospheric pressure; saidwindow frame comprising a plurality of elongated cavities; and a vacuuminsulated structure located in at least one of said elongated cavitiesof said window frame, said vacuum insulated structure comprising asealed flexible envelope that encases insulating material, and whereinan interior of said sealed flexible envelope is at a pressure less thanatmospheric pressure.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, there is provided awindow frame for use in a window including a vacuum insulated glass(VIG) window unit, said VIG window unit comprising first and secondglass substrates with a low pressure gap provided therebetween, the lowpressure gap being at pressure less than atmospheric pressure, thewindow frame comprising: a plurality of elongated cavities for extendingalong an edge portion of the window; and a vacuum insulated structurelocated in at least one of said elongated cavities, said vacuuminsulated structure including a sealed envelope that encases insulatingmaterial, and wherein an interior of said sealed envelope is at apressure less than atmospheric pressure.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, there is provided awindow frame for use in a window including a window unit, said windowunit comprising first and second glass substrates with a gap providedtherebetween, the window frame comprising: a plurality of elongatedcavities for extending along an edge portion of the window; and a vacuuminsulated structure located in at least one of said elongated cavities,said vacuum insulated structure including a sealed envelope that encasesinsulating material, and wherein an interior of said sealed envelope isat a pressure less than atmospheric pressure.

These and other embodiments and/or advantages are described herein withrespect to certain example embodiments and with reference to thefollowing drawings in which like reference numerals refer to likeelements throughout the several views, wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional schematic diagram of an example VIG windowunit;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the example VIG unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic partial cross sectional diagram illustrating anexample related art window frame designed for a standard non-vacuum IGwindow unit, with a nonvacuum IG window unit being located in the frame;

FIG. 4 is a schematic partial cross sectional diagram illustrating awindow frame for a VIG window unit according to an example embodiment ofthis invention;

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a corner portion of the window frameand VIG window unit of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional diagram illustrating an example VIP that maybe used in the window frame of FIGS. 4-5 and 7 according to an exampleembodiment of this invention; and

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional diagram illustrating the window frame ofFIGS. 4-5 according to an example embodiment of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Certain example embodiments will be described in detail herein withreference to the foregoing drawings in which like reference numeralsrefer to like elements throughout the several views. It will beunderstood that the embodiments described herein are intended to beillustrative, not limiting, and that those skilled in the art willunderstand that various modifications may be made without departing fromthe true spirit and full scope of the claims appended hereto.

FIGS. 4 and 7 illustrate a window including a VIG window unit 1 in awindow frame 40. The VIG window unit 1 includes at least first andsecond spaced apart substantially parallel glass substrates 2 and 3which enclose an evacuated low-pressure space/cavity 6 therebetween.Glass substrates 2 and 3 are interconnected by a peripheral edge seal 4which may be made of fused solder glass or other suitable material. Anarray of support pillars/spacers 5 is provided between at least theglass substrates 2, 3 to maintain the spacing of substrates 2, 3 of theVIG unit 1 in view of the low-pressure space/gap 6 present between thesubstrates 2, 3. A vacuum may be used via a pump-out tube to evacuatecavity 6 and thus form low pressure space/cavity 6 between thesubstrates 2, 3. The pressure in cavity/space 6 may be produced by wayof an evacuation process to a level below atmospheric pressure, e.g.,below about 10⁻² Ton. A coating such as a low-E coating (not shown) maybe located on an interior surface of substrate 2 or substrate 3. The VIGwindow unit 1 could also possibly have three substantially parallelspaced apart glass substrates (instead of two), with the gap between thethird glass substrate (not shown) and the middle glass substrate beingeither at atmospheric pressure or below atmospheric pressure.

Still referring to FIGS. 4 and 7, the window frame 40 is located alongand/or around the periphery of the VIG window unit 1. In particular, thewindow frame 40 may be made up of one or more parts and is providedalong all four peripheral sides of the VIG window unit 1 (assuming arectangular shaped VIG window unit 1). The frame 40 includes at leaststructure 42 such as a sash which may be made of a polymer basedmaterial such as vinyl, PVC or the like. The frame may include four suchstructures 42 around the periphery of the VIG unit 1, each structure 42being provided along one of the four peripheral sides of the VIG windowunit 1. At each of the four corners of the window, two structures 42meeting at that corner may be butt jointed within the frame as shown inFIG. 5, or alternatively may be miter joined or lap jointed at thewindow corners. Thus, in embodiments where the window frame includesfour structures 42 (one alone each side of the window), the structures42 may be either butt jointed or miter jointed at the corners of thewindow. Adhesive strips (e.g., glazing tape, VHB strips, and/or wetglazing material) 50 may be provided on the exterior sides of the glasssubstrates 2, 3 of the VIG unit 1 for attaching the unit 1 to the windowframe.

The structure 42 could also be a single four-sided unit in certainexample embodiments of this invention, with each side extending alongone of the four peripheral sides of the window unit 1. In suchembodiments, each VIS 45 could also be a single piece having four sides(in the shape of a rectangle in plan view) corresponding to the foursides of the frame. In such embodiments, the periphery of the framecould be assembled and the cavity in which each VIS 45 is positioned isopen at one side thereof After the VIS 45 is placed in a cavity, a coverstructure could be snapped, glued, or other secured in place to closethe cavity and secure the VIS 45 in the cavity.

The structure of the frame 40 could also be made of wood or wood-likematerial in certain example embodiments of this invention. In suchembodiments, at least one trough could be cut into the wood frame and aVIS structure could be placed in the at least one trough. Multipletroughs could be provided in the wood frame, and corresponding multipleVISs 45 could be provided in the respective troughs. The VISs could beprovided in the assembled frame and a finish cap or the like could beadhered or otherwise secured over the trough thereby sealing the VIS(s)in the wood frame.

As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, each structure 42 of the frame has aplurality of elongated hollow cavities 42 a, 42 b, 42 c, 42 d, 42 e, 42f, 42 g and 42 h defined therein. Hollow frame cavities 42 a-42 hpreferably each extend along substantially an entirety of one or more ofthe four peripheral sides of the VIG unit 1, and may be of any suitableshape. When four similar structures 42 are provided along the four sidesof the VIG window unit 1 (one alone each of the four sides of thewindow) and are respectively coupled/joined at the window corners, thenthe elongated cavities 42 a-42 h of each structure 42 extend alongsubstantially the entirety of the side of the window on which thecorresponding structure 42 is provided. Hollow cavities/channels 42 a-42h in each structure 42 may or may not be open at ends thereof, with thehollow areas being surrounded by solid portions of structure 42 as shownin FIGS. 4 and 7 when viewed cross sectionally.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, elongated cavities 42 b, 42 c,42 d, 42 f, 42 g and 42 h may simply be air filled or may be filled orsubstantially filled with insulating material such as foam orfiberglass. However, in the FIGS. 4 and 7 embodiment, elongated cavities42 a and 42 e are each filled or substantially filled with a vacuuminsulated structure (VIS) 45. Accordingly, a VIS 45 is provided in eachof cavities 42 a and 42 e in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 7.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of an example VIS 45. VIS 45 may havean inert or substantially inert insulative inorganic core material 46encased in envelope 47. The surrounding flexible envelope 47 may be madeof material such as foil or any other suitable material, and may includean aluminized multilayer barrier in certain example embodiments. Theflexible envelope 47, which encases insulating core material 46 therein,may be hermetic and may be sealed via at least one thermal welded seam48. The envelope 47 may be hermetic, thereby allowing the interiorthereof to be pumped via a vacuum(s) to a medium vacuum and sealed, sothat the interior 46 of the envelope 47 is at a pressure less thanatmospheric pressure. The pressure inside envelope 47 may be from about10⁻² to 10⁻⁴ Ton in certain example embodiments. For example, the VIS 45can achieve R-values of from 25-50, more preferably from about 35-50,per inch thickness of insulation depending upon the core material 46 andthe level of vacuum inside envelope 47. A VIS of comparable thicknessmay be from about five to ten times more insulative than typical foam.For example, a one-quarter inch thick VIS could substantially equal orexceed the thermal performance of a VIG window unit and two inches offoam within a frame. Other example vacuum insulated structures (VISs) 45which may be used are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,500,305, 6,037,033and 6,623,413, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated hereinby reference.

In FIGS. 4 and 7, an elongated VIS 45 is provided in elongated framecavity 42 a, and another elongated VIS 45 is provided in elongated framecavity 42 e. Meanwhile, elongated frame cavities 42 b-d and 42 f-h inFIGS. 4 and 7 do not have VISs provided therein but are instead filledsimply with air or optionally can be filled with foam or the like.However, a VIS 45 can be provided in any of cavities 42 a-h in differentembodiments of this invention. For example, in an example embodimenteach of frame cavities 42 a and 42 e may be provided with at least oneVIS therein as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7. In another example embodiment,each of frame cavities 42 a, 42 b, and 42 e may be provided with atleast one VIS 45 therein.

In another example embodiment, only frame cavity 42 e is provided withat least one VIS 45 therein. In yet another example embodiment, onlyframe cavity 42 a is provided with at least one VIS 45 therein. In stillanother example embodiment, each of frame cavities 42 a, 42 b, 42 c and42 e may be provided with a respective VIS 45 therein. It would also bepossible for all frame cavities 42 a-42 h to each have a respective VIS45 provided therein. These various embodiments may apply to each of thestructures 42 of the overall window frame. The provision of VIS inwindow frame cavities, particularly in connection with windows havingVIG window units, is advantageous in that it allows the window frame toapproach, meet or exceed the insulating performance of the VIG windowunit 1 itself

The window frame of FIGS. 4-5 and 7 could also be used with non-vacuumIG window units such as high performance nonvacuum IG window technologyincluding but not limited to triple glazed IG units, quad glazed windowunits, and so forth. Thus, in certain example embodiments of thisinvention the window unit 1 could be a nonvacuum IG window unit 30including at least two spaced apart glass substrates as shown in FIG. 3where the gap between the substrates is at atmospheric pressure and maybe filled with argon or the like.

In example embodiments of this invention, there is provided a windowcomprising: a vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit in a windowframe; said VIG window unit comprising first and second glass substrateswith a low pressure gap provided therebetween, the low pressure gapbeing at pressure less than atmospheric pressure; said window framecomprising a plurality of elongated cavities; and a vacuum insulatedstructure located in at least one of said elongated cavities of saidwindow frame, said vacuum insulated structure comprising a sealedflexible envelope that encases insulating material, and wherein aninterior of said sealed flexible envelope is at a pressure less thanatmospheric pressure.

In the window of the immediately preceding paragraph, said vacuuminsulated structure may be located in a first elongated cavity of thewindow frame, and another vacuum insulated structure may be located in asecond elongated cavity of the window frame, wherein each of the vacuuminsulated structures may comprise a sealed flexible envelope thatencases insulating material with an interior of the sealed flexibleenvelope at pressure less than atmospheric pressure.

In the window of any of the preceding two paragraphs, the first andsecond elongated cavities of the window frame may be spaced apart fromone another and may be located on opposite major sides of the VIG windowunit.

In the window of any of the preceding three paragraphs, the first andsecond elongated cavities of the window frame may be oriented parallelor substantially parallel to each other.

In the window of any of the preceding four paragraphs, the window framemay include a third elongated cavity oriented parallel or substantiallyparallel to first and second elongated cavities, and wherein insulatingfoam, but not a vacuum insulated structure, may be provided in the thirdelongated cavity. The third elongated cavity may be located at leastpartially between the first and second elongated cavities.

In the window of any of the preceding five paragraphs, the VIG windowunit may have four peripheral sides and two major sides (the major sidesbeing the interior and exterior sides of the VIG window unit), and thewindow frame may comprise four frame members respectively provided alongthe four peripheral sides of the VIG window unit wherein each of thefour frame members may comprise: a plurality of elongated cavities and avacuum insulated structure located in at least one of said elongatedcavities, said vacuum insulated structure comprising a sealed flexibleenvelope that encases insulating material, and wherein an interior ofsaid sealed flexible envelope is at a pressure less than atmosphericpressure.

In the window of any of the preceding six paragraphs, the VIG windowunit may comprise a plurality of spacers located in the low pressure gapbetween the first and second glass substrates, and an edge seal providedbetween the first and second glass substrates for hermetically sealing aperiphery of the VIG unit to substantially maintain the low pressure gapat pressure less than atmospheric pressure.

In the window of any of the preceding seven paragraphs, the VIG windowunit may have a thickness of from about 4-12 mm.

In the window of any of the preceding eight paragraphs, said flexibleenvelope may be of or include aluminum.

In the window of any of the preceding nine paragraphs, the interior ofsaid sealed flexible envelope may be at a pressure of from about 10⁻² to10⁻⁴ Ton.

In the window of any of the preceding ten paragraphs, the low pressuregap between the substrates of the VIG window unit may be at a pressureof from about 10⁻² to 10⁻⁴ Ton.

In the window of any of the preceding eleven paragraphs, shapes of theplurality of elongated cavities may be defined by polymer-based materialof the frame. The polymer-based material may be of or include vinyland/or PVC for example.

In the window of any of the preceding twelve paragraphs, the VIG windowunit may have a visible transmission of at least about 30%, morepreferably of at least about 50%, and even more preferably of at leastabout 60% or at least 70%.

In example embodiments of this invention, there is provided a windowframe for use in a window including a vacuum insulated glass (VIG)window unit, said VIG window unit comprising first and second glasssubstrates with a low pressure gap provided therebetween, the lowpressure gap being at pressure less than atmospheric pressure, thewindow frame comprising: a plurality of elongated cavities for extendingalong an edge portion of the window; and a vacuum insulated structurelocated in at least one of said elongated cavities, said vacuuminsulated structure including a sealed envelope that encases insulatingmaterial, and wherein an interior of said sealed envelope is at apressure less than atmospheric pressure.

In the window frame of the immediately preceding paragraph, said vacuuminsulated structure may be located in a first elongated cavity of thewindow frame, and another vacuum insulated structure may be located in asecond elongated cavity of the window frame wherein each of the vacuuminsulated structures may comprises a sealed envelope that encasesinsulating material, with an interior of the sealed envelope at pressureless than atmospheric pressure.

In the window frame of any of the preceding two paragraphs, the firstand second elongated cavities of the window frame may be spaced apartfrom one another and to be located on opposite major sides of the VIGwindow unit.

In the window frame of any of the preceding three paragraphs, the firstand second elongated cavities of the window frame may be orientedsubstantially in parallel with each other.

The window frame of any of the preceding four paragraphs may furthercomprise a third elongated cavity that is oriented substantiallyparallel to first and second elongated cavities, and wherein insulatingfoam but not a vacuum insulated structure may be provided in the thirdelongated cavity.

While certain example embodiments have been described and disclosedherein, it will be understood that the embodiments described herein areintended to be illustrative, not limiting, and that those skilled in theart will understand that various modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the true spirit and full scope of the claims appendedhereto.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A window comprising: a vacuum insulated glass (VIG)window unit in a window frame; said VIG window unit comprising first andsecond glass substrates with a low pressure gap provided therebetween,the low pressure gap being at pressure less than atmospheric pressure;said window frame comprising a plurality of cavities that do not contactthe first and second glass substrates of the VIG window unit and thatare not located between the first and second glass substrates of the VIGwindow unit; a vacuum insulated structure located in at least one ofsaid cavities of said window frame, said vacuum insulated structurecomprising a sealed flexible envelope that encases insulating material;and wherein the sealed flexible envelope does not contact the first orsecond glass substrates of the VIG window unit.
 22. The window of claim21, wherein the first and second cavities of the window frame are spacedapart from one another and are located on opposite major sides of theVIG window unit.
 23. The window of claim 21, wherein the first andsecond cavities of the window frame are oriented substantially inparallel with each other.
 24. The window of claim 21, wherein the windowframe includes a third elongated that is oriented substantially parallelto the first and second cavities, and wherein insulating foam isprovided in the third cavity.